2-2-13
Damond,
Can I tell
you that I had a very special experience? I have always loved running. It’s
always been quite therapeutic for me. I decided that now, more than ever, I
need to run. I have already signed up for Susan’s 5K Run and Color Me Rad in
Yuma with Farar’s and Friends. I, also, just
signed up to run the Half Marathon Mini in Indianapolis, again.
Running is never easy. Well, it’s even harder when you are
crying. But these tears need to come out. Usually, I run by myself. But this
morning, the weather was so nice there were many people running along the
canal. Towards the end of my run, I stopped running, because it really is hard to run when you are
sobbing. A young lady came up to me and hugged me. She held me while I cried
and repeated, “It will be ok. You can be strong.” She provided a shoulder when
I needed one and spoke words I needed to hear. When I related to her about your
passing, she offered condolences, but told me how her dad had died in a civil
war when she was five. I began to ask about her story. She is a young girl of
16 years from Eastern Africa. She moved here three years ago to join her mother
who had immigrated before her. She told me about how much she misses her
country, family, and friends, but she is here to get an education to better her
life. She saw my ASU shirt and said she hopes to go there someday, too. When I asked her what she wanted to study she
said, “oh, maybe premed. If I can do it.”
I was able to tell her about you and all your hard work to accomplish
that goal. I told her that “all things are possible. That I knew she could do
it.”
I told her about the boys and asked her if she remembers her
dad. She told me she doesn’t even remember what he looks like and does not even
have a photograph of him. As we parted ways, she repeated to me, “You can do
it. Everything will be ok. You will see.”
What a tender mercy from my Father in Heaven to show me He
is aware of me. He sent a young girl, who has suffered much, but has the
courage and spirit to comfort someone in need. He reminded me of the many
blessings that surround the boys and I at this time. We are blessed to have had
such quality time with you. We are blessed to have photographs and movies that
will help us remember you. We are immensely blessed to have so many family and
friends that will help share your memory with the boys. I, hope, that in time, the boys and I may comfort others as that girl comforted me.
Brother Jardine has continually reminded me of the scripture
Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou
dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest.” This
scripture helps me find strength when I think I have none. After parting ways
with the young lady, I began to run again and Strong and Courageous by Jenny
Phillips was playing on my ipod.
(words
adapted from the song)
“I am a daughter of God,with
vision of who I am
and the love of the Savior in my heart.
I can be
strong and courageous!”
Forever and
Always,
Adriana
1 comment:
This is an amazing story! Thanks so much for sharing it, my friend.
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